UX design in Agile projects

We’ve been making a habit of collaboration with partners for what seems like forever, so why is it that we find it hard to get the formula right with front-end designers? Are we a particularly fussy bunch, or is there something more systematic going on?

Recently we’ve been working with the Agile Research Network who were interested in researching this area and its been useful to have someone external observing projects and documenting conclusions.

The Agile mantra of avoiding BDUF (Big Design Up Front), fails to provide specific guidance over what constitutes “Enough DUF” and guidelines are helpful. Some of what was highlighted was obvious, some less so, here’s a sample:

Design prototypes, or demonstrators that look too perfect are dangerous